Our Connections

One Body

Camp Tanako is part of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Along with local congregations and extension ministries spread throughout the state, we are bound together in a connectional relationship. In this covenant relationship, our goal is to make disciples of Jesus Christ equipped to transform the world with excellence and passion.

WE ARE CONNECTED

Participants in the ministries at Camp Tanako leave this setting to return to local congregations revitalized to engage in local community and congregational ministries with a renewed empowerment and relationship with God. Camp is a part of the process that begins in the home and local churches. Camp is full of rich experiences that immerse participants in an array of opportunities to meet Christ face to face. Experiences at Camp Tanako offer participants an opportunity for spiritual revival by shifting focus from the trappings and stress of daily life to the One who is the Source of Life. Those experiences that happen at camp translate back to local churches. It is goal to fan an ember of flame that has been sparked in the local church. This flame is encouraged to burn even brighter through experiences at camp.

Our Bishop

After a friend invited him to attend UMYF his sophomore year of high school, Mueller came to a point of being ready to profess his faith in Christ. His call to ministry began to emerge a few years later, while he attended the University of Kansas. He went on to receive his theological education at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, and at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He was ordained an Elder in the North Texas Conference in 1981.

American Camp Association

One purpose of the ACA Accreditation program is to educate camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, particularly those related to program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff. The standards establish guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices. The camp is then responsible for the ongoing implementation of the policies. Camp Tanako has voluntarily submitted to ACA Accreditation and been accredited since 2003. We are proud of this enormous accomplishment! ACA Accreditation ensures that Camp Tanako is providing the best in all areas of camp operation.

Camping and Retreat Ministries

Christian camps and retreats invite persons and groups to sacred settings typically within the natural world where the creation can speak to their hearts of God. In tandem with the Holy Spirit, [camps] will give guests and participants unparalleled opportunities to focus on the deeper meaning of their lives by inviting them away from normal routine and distraction. These intentional times apart are a catalyst for new possibilities that embody the Church’s mission to nurture Christian discipleship and to engage persons in the transformation of the world through love and justice.

UMCRM

UMCRM seeks to provide support and benefits in addition to the excellent resources currently provided by UMC Discipleship Ministries through its resource person, Kevin Witt. Formerly the National Camp & Retreat Committee (NCRC), the UMCRM Association was formed in 2013 with the vote of confidence and pioneering spirit of our Charter Members. As a member Association we intend to be a more agile and creative organization to respond to the changing needs of our ministries, our denomination, and the world in which we serve.

“Tanako is my home away from home. It’s the place where I knew I belonged, and where I could be myself without feeling judged. Most importantly, it’s the place where I fist experienced God’s love.”
Erin M.